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He rejected official assurances that there had been no significant change in water quality except after January's floods.

And the three-week fishing ban, imposed in the harbour since September 16 after sick fish were found with skin lesions and cloudy eyes, was destroying his business.

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Mr Grant said he was forced to use the harbour in Mackay, driving up his fuel bills and prompting him to turn to a solicitor in hopes of securing compensation.

Up to 20 fishermen have issued statements to Queensland Health telling of painful boils on their arms and legs, which they've blamed on harbour water.

Medical doctor and Queensland Seafood Industry Association president Michael Gardner believes the fishermen developed the sores when the water infected cuts and abrasions.

Today, affected fishermen called ABC radio to back Dr Gardner's claims. One, identified only as Trevor, from Boyne Island, said he was the first of several fishermen to be hospitalised.

"I got a couple of [fish] spikes in the leg [and] by the end of the week my leg was that inflamed I couldn't walk," he said.

"I was put in the Mater Hospital at Gladstone. They didn't have a clue what to treat me for but my doctor was good (and) gave me antibiotics that kills everything."

When asked what he believed had caused his condition, he said: "I think it's the water."

He rejected suggestions the floods were to blame for any problem with water quality.

"That's a croc. Gladstone never copped the floods like everyone else ... It's the dredging," he said.

Another fisherman, from Caboolture, who worked at Gladstone earlier this year told the ABC he'd since suffered from a recurring eye irritation.

When the sick fish began surfacing last month, some fishermen said they believed the problem was being caused by large-scale dredging projects stirring up contaminants.

The Gladstone Ports Corporation denied the claim and said there was nothing to suggest that was the case.

Today, Environment Minister Vicky Darling announced a review of water quality data had found little change over the past year, including since the dredging projects began.

"The results of that testing show there has been little change in Gladstone harbour over the past year, other than immediately following heavy rainfall in January when changes in water quality were consistent with floodwaters extending into the area," she said.

Initial inquiries indicated red-spot disease, found along Australia's east coast, and a parasite may be responsible for sickening the fish.

Authorities are continuing tests pending a formal decision on any end to the fishing ban, which is due to expire on Friday. In the meantime, consumers are being warned not to eat seafood displaying signs of illness.

Queensland Health today said the department had interviewed several of the fishermen who'd experienced health problems, but there was no evidence of a common cause.

"They have described a range of conditions, including infected fish spike injuries and wounds and other skin problems," the department said.

"All the conditions described have multiple causes."

The Gladstone Ports Corporation has permission to dredge 46 million cubic metres - equivalent to 27 Melbourne Cricket Grounds - from within harbour boundaries over 20 years.

It includes 25 million cubic metres related to the development of liquefied natural gas processing plants on Curtis Island for export markets.

Water quality testing regimes will continue to run in parallel to the dredging operations.